newbie in need of help

[agatha.nl]

hi all!

i love colored gemstones and love all the photo''s here. there are also lots of loose stones in there and photo''s from people who have had them set. i want to try that too! but where do i start and what do i look out for? is there an easy site where they sell loose stones and mountings together for instance?

agatha
holland

 

[chrono]

Yes, there are places that sell loose stones and mountings all at the same place but most of use prefer to buy our loose stones at places that only sell cut stones and get our mounts from a custom jeweller, local jeweller or eBay. The reason being is that vendors who sell only stones generally offer better selection and quality (but not necessarily so). Also, buy getting the setting elsewhere, we open up our options greatly, not to mention get better pricing. In general, I suggest looking around PS to see which colour and type of stone appeals to you, find out more about the characteristics of the gem (durability, treatment, cost, etc) and proceed from there.

 

[agatha.nl]

thanks chrono for the reply!
can you tell me some really good sites for loose stones and/or mountings? and how will i know for sure if the mounting will hold the stone (shape and size)? are there any rules for that?
a.

 

[chrono]

As always, buy the stone first, then the mounting. Most stones and mountings have a calibrated size which also allows for some wiggle room. For example, in ovals the standard sizes are 4x6, 5x7, and etc.
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/sites-selling-colored-gemstones-and-jewelry.94723/ A good place for viewing different vendors’ inventory
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/vendor-pictures-and-owner-pictures-of-ps-stones.109420/ The very important place to see how the stone matches up to the vendor’s pictures.

 

[agatha.nl]

thanks again!
what do you mean ''wiggle room''? shouldn''t a stone fit securely?

 

[chrono]

The stone should always be set securely but when shopping for a setting, when the size is stated as 6x8 mm, your stone can range from 5.5 to 6.6 mm at the smaller end to 7.5 mm to 8.5 mm at the upper end. This wiggle room can sometimes be smaller depending on the total depth and outline of your stone.

 

[klewis]

Have you decided yet on the type of stone you want?

 

[agatha.nl]

i think a turquoise one, like a blue green tourmaline or a sky blue (or maybe a bit paler) topaz or aquamarine. i like square for this color, like a cushion.

 

[klewis]

I think you have started in the right way by choosing first a colour you like. Now you can whittle your choice of stone down.
http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/ makes interesting reading and also the buying guide at Palagems and of course Rchard Wise's book Secrets of the Gemtrade.
I don't know about mounts but there are lots of PSers that do who could point you in the right direction. Anyway you can enjoy your new stone and decide on a setting later. Good luck

 

[agatha.nl]

you're right. it doesn't have to be decided right away. thanks!

edit: dude, that site is great!

thanks so much!!!

 

[iLander]

Date: 6/17/2010 12:53:43 AM
Author:agatha.nl
hi all!


i love colored gemstones and love all the photo's here. there are also lots of loose stones in there and photo's from people who have had them set. i want to try that too! but where do i start and what do i look out for? is there an easy site where they sell loose stones and mountings together for instance?


agatha

holland

I got a newsletter from this guy, and he has apparently been reading the threads, and is now offering stones and setters. http://flawlessfacets.com/ Maybe he'll link to his jewelers and show us some settings soon. I haven't used him, but it seems to be somewhat close to the stones and mountings thing you're looking for.

 

[agatha.nl]

thanks!
btw: i also have a dog similar to your avatar